Another win and the Twins take the series

Blog Post by: La Velle E. Neal III

April 4, 2013 - 10:37 AM

Not much going on in the clubhouse this morning as the Twins prepare for their rubber match of their series against the Tigers. The Twins will shove off to Baltimore afterward for a weekend series.The Twins will end up being part of three openers this season. Theirs, the Orioles on Friday and Kansas City's on Monday.

Interesting game yesterday. Eduardo Escobar really put a swing on that Phil Coke pitch in the ninth inning. The kid has been encouraged to take a good rip at any pitch he likes, and Escobar has been letting it loose ever since spring training.

``That ball carried,'' Tigers outfielder Torii Hunter said. ``He put a charge into it. He swung the bat hard, that wasn't just to make contact.''

Detroit catcher Alex Avila said the wind had stopped blowing before the inning started, creating the conditions for the game-winning hit.

Now it's on to Tigers righthander Rick Porcello.

Jamey Carroll was in the batting cage early today - because he's starting at second. Carroll is a career .353 hitter against Porcello. Josh Willingham is 5-for-8. Ryan Doumit is 5-for-7. Joe Mauer (.250) and Justin Morneau (, 174, 1 HR) not so hot against him.

For the Tigers, Omar Infante is a career .538 hitter against Mike Pelfrey, and Prince is batting .455 with a homer against him.

The minor league seasons are kicking off today. Class AAA Rochester is at Buffalo, with P.J. Walters facing Justin Germano. First pitch is at 1:05 Baltimore.

Speaking of minor leagues, I'll have plenty of content next week while Phil Miller is with the team in Baltimore and Kansas City. And get your picks to click ready, as I will open the polls in the next few days.